In a major blow to insurgent forces in northeastern Nigeria, over 60 terrorists were neutralized during a coordinated overnight land and air operation in Bita, located in the Gwoza axis of Borno State.
According to military sources in Maiduguri, the offensive was carried out around 1:09 a.m. on Friday by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the 26 Task Force Brigade (Sector 1) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The operation was launched in response to an attempted attack by terrorists on a military base in the area.
The Nigerian Army, through its official X handle (@HQNigerianArmy), confirmed the success of the operation, describing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign across the North-East.
Sources disclosed that the air component deployed A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and the Dragon platform to execute precision strikes, resulting in the destruction of two enemy gun trucks and the deaths of dozens of insurgents on the spot.
“Initial reports confirmed over 60 terrorists were neutralized in the first wave of engagement,” a military insider revealed. “Following the strikes, ground troops launched exploitation operations to track and clear out fleeing insurgents.”
Follow-up airstrikes were also reported to have destroyed additional vehicles used by the militants, as security forces extended their sweep into nearby forested areas.
A senior officer involved in the operation described it as “one of the most decisive and devastating blows against ISWAP in recent times”, praising the effectiveness of joint operations between land and air units.
Bita, which lies in southern Borno, has recently seen a surge in terrorist activity, prompting the military to intensify operations in the region. Friday’s strike is seen as a strong response to the escalating threats and a show of strengthened military coordination on the ground.
